Washington (CNN) – House Speaker John Boehner said Monday he expects to be re-elected Speaker after the midterm elections, but he wouldn't commit to serving out another full two year term in the top post.

Speaking at an event hosted by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Boehner said "I am running for re-election I expect to be speaker."

But when pressed if he would remain in the post for another term, Boehner dodged the question, saying, "Listen, I can't predict what is going to happen. I am going to be 65 years old in November. I never thought I'd live to be 60 so I am living on borrowed time."

The Speaker reiterated his support for addressing immigration reform, an issue that deeply divides the House Republican conference. Boehner got into hot water last month with some conservatives when he mocked some of his fellow GOP members for complaining how politically difficult the issue is. He said they've been begging him not to force them to take a vote on it.

Some tea party-affiliated groups, already unhappy with Boehner's leadership pointed to those comments, along with the Speaker's support for some type of legal status for undocumented workers, as reasons why he should step aside.

On Monday, the Speaker acknowledged he still faces resistance from a group of his House Republican colleagues on immigration.

"I need to work with my colleagues and bring them along. And while I feel strongly about the need to deal with immigration reform I have got to bring these members along," Boehner said.

When discussing his approach to immigration Boehner repeated a line he’s used before – saying, “a leader without followers is simply a man taking a walk.”
Boehner said "it's very challenging" to move controversial issues during an election year, but he insisted that the political consideration about the Republican Party's future "has no impact" in his desire to pass immigration reforms.

"This is not about politics, it's not about elections. It's about doing the right thing for the American people, it's about doing the right thing for the country – period." Boehner said.

He repeated his support for passing immigration measures in steps, and said the "logical first step" would be focusing on border security.

soundoff(38 Responses)

Why in the world would Boehner want to stay with all the rwnjs in the house.

May 12, 2014 10:14 pm at 10:14 pm |

dmf

Speaker Boehner should no better , as leader of a divided majority caucus , was not able to get important work done d , on major national issues bills , e .g , Job creation programs , immigration reforms , Affordable care Act. 's improvements due for operational efficiency and cost related issues. Fiscal policy and Tax codes reforms etc. Boehner for any s e success for bills into Laws ,including Finance bills , needed Dems in the Senate to pass it first , and later Leader Pelosi would deliver majority of votes in the House , to pass those bills ! Re. the Immigration reforms bill passed by the Senate only needs Speaker 's nod for the House and up and down vote . The divided GOP majority caucus would not agree on this . If Congress 's productivity is measured , in deliberating and with bipartisan support passing Laws , during time Boehner was a leader ? This phase was worst for GOP majority caucus , in the House ever ?

May 12, 2014 10:22 pm at 10:22 pm |

dmf

Speaker Boehner should know better ( correction ) , ......

May 12, 2014 10:28 pm at 10:28 pm |

Tim

Funny how CNN picks n chooses what they want people to see n read

May 12, 2014 11:14 pm at 11:14 pm |

Bubba

This is proof that Boehner DOES have a brain. Smart rats know when to jump ship.

Speaker Boehner's statement is "defeatist" commentary that was exhaled out of realism. What legacy should history portray for a House and leadership that opposed everything good for Americans, while legislating "witch-hunting".....and "anti-ss" . The GOPers are anti-US progress in a bid to destroy Obama and Boehner has been incharge of this campaign.....an undemocratic campaign in reality. US House obviously needs a change of leadership,.....dignified leader for thar matter.

If it's not about politics and not about elections and it's for what's best for the country, then Mr. Boehner, why won't you bring the Senate-passed Unemployment Extension to a House Vote??????

May 13, 2014 02:14 am at 2:14 am |

J.V.Hodgson

Hey CNN you missed a first to know chance here. but shssh Boehner's planning a presidential run.
I'll be 65 UGH what a lame excuse look at the ages of the most recent republican presidents??
Regards,
Hodgson

May 13, 2014 02:30 am at 2:30 am |

Gurgyl

--O'drama, happy birthday in November. You need to realize that most of the Republican mantra is based on Wars, ask every Tom, Dick n Harry says went to Vietnam, Iraq, Korea war, brand himself as a "Veteran" to collect that 3000 dollars monthly free money. USA needs Education–GOP can not offer free money to loot. Nation needs strong infrastructure, manufacture, education–not wars.